Manchester United 'still short of Bruno Fernandes asking price'

Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon are reportedly still 'miles apart' when it comes to the valuation of Bruno Fernandes.

A report from Portugal had claimed that the Red Devils had made a breakthrough in negotiations for the Portugal international, who continues to be strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

However, according to the Evening Standard, the 20-time English champions are still short of Sporting's asking price, which stands in the region of £55m plus add-ons.

United are said to value the attacking midfielder closer to £40m, meaning that the two clubs are still 'miles apart' with the January transfer window approaching its latter stages.

The 25-year-old scored 32 times in all competitions for Sporting last season and has again been in fine form during the 2019-20 campaign, managing 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have struggled for inspiration from the number 10 position this season with Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata all finding it difficult to contribute on a consistent basis.

Fernandes's current deal with his Portuguese club will run until the summer of 2023.